Japan House LA Looks Delicious! Food Replicas Exhibit

The first U.S. showcase of Japan’s hyper-realistic shokuhin sampuru brings replicas from all 47 prefectures to JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles at Ovation Hollywood. The exhibition traces the evolution of these lifelike food models from early 20th-century wax figures to today’s advanced resin creations used throughout Japan’s restaurant industry. Visitors can explore themed zones, watch behind-the-scenes demonstrations, and create a custom food-replica bentō in the interactive area.

Organized in collaboration with world-leading food replica manufacturer Iwasaki, and curated by Simon Wright, Director of Programming at JAPAN HOUSE London, the exhibition features a broad collection of specially commissioned food replicas – notably one for each of Japan’s 47 prefectures across an expansive map – highlighting the country’s diverse culinary traditions.

In addition to this presentation of regional cuisine, Looks Delicious! explores food replica culture across seven thematic areas and an interactive bentō (packed meal) zone. The exhibition introduces visitors to the history, manufacturing techniques, and creative ingenuity behind these hyper-realistic models. Presentations examine their applications in nutritional education, medicine, and quality control. Maps, behind-the-scenes videos, and dynamic installations bring the art form to life in a way that has never been seen before. The experience provides visitors an opportunity to craft their own food replica bentō, which they can photograph and share on social media.
Complemented by a slate of related programs featuring hands-on workshops, craft and culinary demonstrations, and a curated collection of food sample goods in the WAZA Shop, Looks Delicious! offers a vivid and tactile encounter with Japanese food culture, design, and hospitality.
Much of this exhibition has been created thanks to the cooperation of those at Iwasaki Co., Ltd. (Osaka), Iwasaki Co., Ltd. (Tokyo), Iwasaki Mokei Seizo Co., Ltd. (Gujō Hachiman).
JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles would also like to thank Central Japan Railway Company for their exhibition support and JAPAN HOUSE London for sharing this exhibition with us.


Dates:
Thu September 18, 2025 – Sun January 25, 2026


Times
Mon-Fri| 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sat-Sun | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM


Location
JAPAN HOUSE Gallery, Level 2